THE SPARKLIGHT CONFERENCE 2.0 IN UNILAG

At the Center of Excellence of the Mass communication department on Wednesday, the 25th of July, 2018 was a gathering of intellects – students, business gurus, professors, doctors, industries elite and many more – to discuss and learn about the finesse of entrepreneurship. In the different sessions, speeches and interactive sessions; different parts and components of entrepreneurship was tackled and opportunities were given out to participants of the conference.

The guest speaker – Hon. Lanre Laoshe – spoke at length on the tenants of leadership and successfully running a business in our present economy. He spoke on branding as an important part of our products and services, highlighting the importance of the “core brand” and “flanking brand”… likewise, he differentiated between the concept of “price for value” and “price to value”. He also made mention of corporate governance and accountability as a means to sustenance and building an outlasting legacy.

The chairman of the occasion also came up and reiterated on Trust, learning on the job, having relevant ideas, having nose for opportunity to solve problems and doing something been done already more efficiently as characteristics to build and portray as an entrepreneur. He also delved into the case scenario in Africa, stating that Africa’s problem is “ineptitude, waste and corruption” in that order, which we have to combat as a people.

Mr Tobi Makinwa – a scene one production director and producer – also spoke on the sub theme “Are Nigerian Youths Lazy?”. After sampling the opinions of participants, a consensus was reached that Nigerian youths are not lazy but majority needs some attitudinal modification which include more patience, utmost humility, working smart with caution and not been afraid to make mistakes while trying..

Finally, Mr Igho – a representative from LIRS – gave us good tips on running an organisation from the stand point of tax payment, which is very important. These include; keeping “good records” of all expenses and incomes, running an “enterprise” instead of a “limited liability” which is more expensive – tax wise, starting small from your living room maybe (instead of renting a place with signpost that have huge tax implications), looking out for collaborations, opportunities, incentive competitions from Bank of industries, Tony Elumelu Foundation and many more. On a final note, know your tax implication and keep good records of all monies spent and gotten.

Other organisations came to talk of their brands e.g. Deremy planet on 3D painting for buildings. Awards were also presented to various guests and dignitaries’ presents at the conference and an average of about 110 participants were in attendance at the conference.

The host of the conference (producer of Spark light radio show on UNILAG FM) – Mr Tosin Adesile – appreciated all guests and participants, hinting that the 3rd edition would to be greater and better.